Meta: Russia Tried to Fully Block WhatsApp to Push State App

WhatsApp has said that the Russian government tried to fully block the messaging service as part of a push toward home-grown platforms and tighter control over the internet. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, described the move as an effort to drive users toward a state-owned surveillance app while promising to keep people connected.

The reported push comes amid word that Roskomnadzor removed WhatsApp from an official directory, signaling a shift away from mainstream messaging apps as Moscow leans toward domestic alternatives. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that any agreement would depend on Meta aligning with Russian legislation, adding that if the corporation remains uncompromising, there is little chance of a deal.

Tech leaders have weighed in as well. Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized the crackdown on private messaging and pledged to continue defending open access to apps, signaling growing tension between the push for state-backed platforms and the tech community’s push for openness.

Analysts say the move reflects a broader strategy to curtail reliance on global platforms and tighten digital control, even as officials argue the approach is about regulatory compliance and national sovereignty. Critics warn the policy could hamper privacy, safety, and innovation, while supporters view it as a necessary step to safeguard national interests.

For millions of users, the immediate impact remains unclear, but the shift underscores a changing online landscape in Russia as authorities promote home-grown options and negotiate how global services operate inside national borders.

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